Press Release: Bridgetown, Barbados – January 31, 2025
Connect Caribe the regional private sector-led ferry service company established in January 2024, is making steady progress toward the launch of its ferry service but has experienced some delay to the projected start of its operations.
Pleion Group Inc. Communications Director, Jennifer Highland noted that, “One significant external challenge that contributed to the delay was the unsuitability of the initial recommended vessels for Caribbean waters. After a thorough evaluation, our Ferry Committee identified compatibility issues with the proposed vessels, particularly due to low tide conditions at a key port and the smaller ports across the region.”
Ms Highland added, that “as a result, key negotiations begun in earnest last year for the provision of suitable vessels and operational partnership with two leading European ferry companies. We anticipate a positive outcome as we seek to ensure the smoothest start to the delivery of our service and the minimization of risk to our operations.”
A key factor as well with respect to the company’s stakeholder engagements was the integration of the U.S. Virgin Islands into its business model. The region plays a critical role in trade between the USA and the Caribbean, handling approximately $25 billion of the $52 billion in trade flows. Through the public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with the Governor of the USVI, Pleion Group Inc. parent company of Connect Caribe and the Government of the USVI have committed to establishing a maritime logistics hub that will efficiently redistribute this trade across the Caribbean, while also facilitating faster and more affordable access for Caribbean products entering U.S. markets. This integration ensures the sustainability of operations by guaranteeing full container loads—essential for the long-term success of any private sector venture.
Brendon Mohammed, Board Member of Connect Caribe, emphasized the project's broader impact on the region, stating: "At Connect Caribe, we remain steadfast in our commitment to transforming regional connectivity in a way that enhances the quality of life for communities across the Caribbean. This project is not just about improving transportation; it’s about opening new doors for trade, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and creating stronger economic opportunities across CARICOM. By streamlining trade facilitation, we aim to contribute significantly to the region’s food security and ensure that Caribbean businesses and consumers alike benefit from a more efficient way of moving people and products."
The proposed routes for the Passenger-Cargo Route within the Eastern Caribbean are Barbados, Trinidad, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada.
The USVI and surrounding areas are: St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, St. Maarten, BVI, Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica and our CargoRoute in South America and Caribbean: Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname.
“The stakeholder engagement process across these territories has taken longer than expected, but we have received positive feedback from key entities and remain actively engaged with our stakeholders. While this process has required additional time, achieving a successful rollout has required careful planning and strategic coordination, however we are confident that the outcomes will set a new standard for regional connectivity and trade efficiency. It will undoubtedly be worth the wait as we push towards the start of operations," Ms. Highland concluded.
ABOUT PLEION GROUP INC.
Pleion Group Barbados is a maritime and economic development company with the purpose to provide a ferry service, e-commerce trade solutions, and agricultural development, encompassing the movement of people and cargo within the Caribbean and to see the integration of the Caribbean through a maritime corridor that facilitates the movement of people, e-commerce, agricultural development and trade within the region and with Africa and Latin America.
ABOUT CONNECT CARIBE
Connect Caribe is committed to creating a seamless maritime corridor that enhances the movement of goods and people across the Caribbean. Through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, Connect Caribe aims to bridge travel, trade, and e-commerce, fostering economic growth and regional integration extending harmoniously to Africa.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jennifer M. Highland
Director - Communications and Strategic Partnerships
Pleion Group Inc
126A Plaza Centrale, Roebuck Street
Bridgetown, Barbados
TEL: 1 (246) 539-7878
EMAIL: jhighland@pleiongroupinc.com